Secret bugging of SNP MSP deemed unacceptable, Swinney says
Scotsman report that a former staffer placed listening devices in an SNP MSP’s office in late 2023 prompts scrutiny of party staffing.
Swinney condemned the reports of a staff member secretly recording an SNP member of the Scottish Parliament, calling the conduct completely and utterly unacceptable. He told reporters after First Minister’s Questions that he was not familiar with all of the details, but that the behavior described by the Scotsman “is completely and utterly unacceptable.”
The Scotsman reported that a former worker had placed listening devices in the office of an unnamed SNP MSP in late 2023. BBC Scotland understands that the person no longer works for an elected representative but is an office bearer in a local branch of the party. The details reflect a private matter that, if confirmed, would raise questions about staff management within the party and the wider parliamentary framework.
The issue has prompted reaction from both the Scottish Parliament and the SNP. A Scottish Parliament spokesman said MSPs are responsible for managing their own staffing issues and disputes as employers. An SNP spokesperson added that the party has no involvement in the employment processes of parliamentarians, stating that such matters are confidential between elected members, employees, and Scottish Parliament authorities. The SNP spokesperson also described the reports as outlining a very traumatic situation for those involved and emphasized that nobody should have to experience fear or harassment for doing their job.
The newspaper noted that the matter had been raised with Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone, underscoring the procedural path the disclosure may take within parliamentary structures. The MSP at the center of the allegations has been approached for comment, though no formal statement had been reported at the time of the interviews.
As the story unfolds, observers note the case sits at the intersection of personal safety, staff governance, and parliamentary oversight. The Scottish Parliament’s employment framework governs disputes and staffing matters for MPs, while political parties maintain their own internal processes for employment within their offices. The public response has focused on ensuring transparency, safeguarding staff, and clarifying responsibilities among MPs, parties, and parliamentary authorities. The present reporting emphasizes the seriousness with which such allegations are treated and the expectation of appropriate action should any misconduct be substantiated.